Story Highlights

We discuss, mostly politely, the pros and cons of Iowa State quarterback Kyle Kempt almost weekly while gathering around the mic for our Cyclone Insider podcast.

Experienced — but a lack of game-breaking athleticism.

Accurate arm — yet not so strong.

Wonderful game manager — yeah, but ...

The conversation continues, before I politely utter: “You guys have every right to be wrong.”

Iowa State’s 2018 starting quarterback is a proven winner. He led the Cyclones to five of their most recent eight wins in 2017. He was at the controls during the Liberty Bowl victory against Memphis.

And yet, people wonder.

He’s back for a final fling, this veteran whose college playing career is just beginning. Yet people still don’t know if he has enough moxie, enough arm and sufficient elusiveness to be Iowa State’s successful start-to-finish offensive leader.

For Kempt, questioning ability is old news

Completing 18 of 24 passes for 343 yards and three second-half touchdowns in the 38-31 upset at third-ranked Oklahoma, completing a week that included the Cyclones’ starting quarterback not even making the trip.

Completing the highest percentage of passes in school history during a season — 161 of 243 for 66.3 percent.

Passing for 15 touchdowns, fifth-best in a season at Iowa State, against just three picks.

Yet people still nitpick.

Can he throw the quick pass to the sides of the field? Can he throw it with enough timing and oomph to prevent it from being an easy pick-six stroll?

Can he throw long, taking advantage of speedsters such as Hakeem Butler, Tarique Milton, Kene Nwangwu, Deshaunte Jones and Landen Akers, among others?

Does he have enough athleticism to keep plays alive with his feet?

Blah blah blah.

“He’s changed his body; he’s stronger than he’s ever been,” Iowa State coach Matt Campbell said. “He put in the time and effort to be better. Getting stronger and getting bigger affects everything.”

Kempt was 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds as he was leading Iowa State to its best road win in school history last season. He showed up at Big 12 Media Days two weeks ago still at 6-5, but weighing what he termed “a legit 225.”

His offseason success with Campbell’s training staff means more strength to fend off hard-charging defenders, too.

“I want to be more difficult to take down in the pocket,” said Kempt, who absorbed 12 of opponents’ 19 sacks last season. “The easier it is for me to extend plays and get us out of bad situations, the better off we’ll be.”

Yet people still wonder.

'He’s beaten some really good teams'

“Kyle threw two passes in 2016 — against San Jose State,” quarterbacks coach Joel Gordon said during the spring. “I don’t know who talks about the arm strength.

“There’s some things that Tom Brady, with the kind of arm strength that he has, might be able to do that Kyle Kempt isn’t doing, but Kyle’s proven himself enough that he doesn’t have to listen to stuff like that.

“I don’t think for him, you have to show anything more. He’s beaten some really good teams.”

He completes low-risk passes, but that certainly beats the alternative. He’s methodical. He won’t stand out in a crowd.

He just wins games.

“Kyle’s everything you’re looking for in a quarterback that’s won some of the biggest games in program history,” Gordon said. “He’s done the most with his opportunity.

“He’s proven that his arm is good enough to make throws to beat some good teams.”

And in 2018, you can add bigger and stronger to an already winning resume.

He’s surrounded by teammates who are confident that he’ll be even better this year.

“We had all last season to get comfortable with Kyle,” Butler said. “He throws a great ball. He knows where to throw it. We’re going to hit the ground running.”

But still, there are skeptics.

“For me, it’s the strength part,” Kempt said. “I know have to improve that. It’s a knock on my game, and I’ll definitely agree with that, but I will definitely change that this year.

“I have to be able to deliver the ball downfield. I know that. We have guys that can run and get those (passes) this year as well, so it’ll be a big change for us.”

Iowa State columnist Randy Peterson has been with the Register for parts of five decades. Randy writes opinion and analysis of Iowa State football and basketball. You can reach Randy at rpeterson@dmreg.com or on Twitter at @RandyPete.